“Living Free from Ketamine Addiction: What are the Effects of Abuse?”

Ketamine is a popular drug amongst illicit users. But did you know that it also has medical applications? Using this drug responsibly is important when trying to stay sober. It can be beneficial for a patient, but it can also be dangerous for those who abuse it.

On this article we will talk about ketamine: what it is, what happens when people misuse it, and how addiction is treated.

Overview

Ketamine is a potent dissociative anesthetic. We can learn three things from that definition: first, it’s a powerful substance; second, it can help treat patients suffering from pain; and lastly, it can make people feel like they are detached from their own body.

This substance is on the List of Essential Medicines of the World Health Organization—a list that highlights the safest, most effective medicines needed in a health system. In fact, it is sold as a generic medication.

It induces pain relief and sedation, with effects that last up to 25 minutes. These effects can kick in within five minutes if the drug is taken intravenously.

Recreational Use

Despite these benefits, ketamine is more popular in recreational settings, particularly in the party scene. If you fear that someone you love is abusing ketamine, there are a few signs you can watch out for. They may experience side effects such as confusion, agitation, muscle tremors, and even hallucinations.

It comes in powdered or liquid form. The fact that it can render people nearly unconscious is enough for rapists to take advantage of this substance and render their victims immobile. This has given ketamine the reputation for being a date rape drug.

This potent drug can be habit-forming when used incorrectly. If your doctor prescribes it, be sure to follow their instructions carefully. Do not take larger doses, and do not take ketamine for longer than is recommended. If you experience side effects, be sure to tell your doctor immediately.

Abuse Effects

Ketamine is a very short-acting drug compared with other dissociative drugs. It also has a high potential for abuse—something that can lead to a bunch of adverse health effects. Tolerance, dependence, and addiction can all develop in a person if they take too much ketamine for a long period of time.

Possible health risks associated with ketamine abuse are the following: low blood pressure, high blood pressure, changes in heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, transient erythema, anorexia, vomiting, nystagmus (rapid, uncontrollable movement of the eyes), and airway obstruction.

Long term abuse can cause damages to the person’s organs, including their liver, bladder, stomach, and even their bone structure.

Addiction Treatment

Quitting the drug once dependence has set in can be very difficult. Self-regulation can be impossible. Withdrawal symptoms will easily set in and cause a person to relapse. Common withdrawal symptoms associated with ketamine abuse include chills, exhaustion, excessive sweating, depression, and nightmares. Throughout this experience, the user will also feel an intense craving for the drug.

Despite this, a ketamine addicted individual can still recover. It is advised that they undergo medically supervised detox. And you can do this by looking for an addiction treatment facility near you today.

Trained professionals will be able to manage a patient’s withdrawal symptoms while also gradually lowering their ketamine intake. Medical care is all it takes.

However, addiction itself can be harder to beat. It may take not only detox, but also behavioral therapy. Counseling, support groups, and addiction education can help a person adjust to a sober life. An addiction-free lifestyle can be difficult to achieve, but it can be done with the right support.

Addiction Free Solutions

Dont be problem focused. Be solution focused! At Addiction Free Solutions, we know that the solution lies within you. You have to commit to living a sober life. We help connect you with a center that can help assist you from detox and rehab to therapy. We want you to get the help that you need so you can go on and inspire others. Looking for in-patient, out-patient or sober living afterwards? We help you with that as well!